The Basic Types of Rolling Mills
Rolling mills are metal processing equipment used to reduce the thickness of metal sheets, plates, and other components. The metal is reduced through compression between two rolls that rotate in opposite directions. The process is also known as roll forming, and typically uses a series of rollers to shape the material into predetermined dimensions. The different types of rolling mills can be categorized according to their uses.
1. Two-High Rolling Mills
The two-high rolling mill is one of the most basic types of rolling mills. It features two opposing rolls that are placed on either side of the material being rolled. This type of mill is typically used to break down thicker pieces of metal into thinner pieces. The two-high rolling mill is designed to reduce the thickness and increase the elongation of the material being rolled. This type of mill is also used for cutting and flattening sheet material.
2. Three-High Rolling Mills
Three-high rolling mills are similar to two-high rolling mills, but they have an additional roll that is set at an exercise angle to the material being rolled. This design enables the three-high rolling mill to effectively reduce the thickness of the material while maintaining the materials original length and width. This type of mill is typical for long products such as steel rods, bars, and wires.
3. Four-High Rolling Mills
Four-high rolling mills use four horizontal rolls positioned one above the other. This type of mill is used for producing more precise shapes than two-high rolling mills and for producing longer products. The four-high rolling mill is also capable of producing thinner gauges of material. This type of mill is typically used for rolling plates and sheets.
4. Multi-High Rolling Mills
Multi-high rolling mills are more complex than the two-high and four-high rolling mills. These mills use several sets of horizontally mounted rolls that provide multiple passes to the material being rolled. This type of mill is capable of producing a greater range of shapes and sizes and is typically used for producing complex profiles and shapes from large sheets and plates.
5. Cluster Rolling Mills
Cluster rolling mills is a combination of two-high, three-high, and four-high rolling mills. This type of mill combines multiple sets of rollers that are arranged in vertical banks and mounted in the same frame. This design allows for faster production times and more accurate results than single-roll mills. The cluster rolling mill is typically used for producing long and thin sections of metal such as wire and cables.
Rolling mills are essential in the production of metal sheets, plates, and other components. The different types of rolling mills offer a variety of applications and features that allow manufacturers to meet their manufacturing needs. Each type of mill has its advantages and drawbacks, so it is important to consider the application of the mill before making a purchase.
